What to charge??
 

I need help quilters !!! Everybody is always asking me to make them a quilt and what would I charge ! I only do this because I love it and I wouldn't mind at all making them a quilt BUT I have no idea what to charge after of course what it cost to make it . So how do YOU figure it ? Say for a queen size which is usually what everyone wants ? For instance I have someone who wants the DRESDEN block, cause they love mine, what would you charge for that? Any input will help thank you all for reading and taking the time to share your experience with me !!!! Tks Darlene

three times the cost of the material...

One way to figure cost is to figure the cost of materials--fabric, batting, and backing--then at least double it for your labor. Maybe even triple it. A Dresden block is very labor intensive, so I would charge more. Most people don't realize how much it costs to make a quilt. If they agree with your price, I would get at least half up front. It's very difficult to make any money for a quilt because most people don't want to pay what your labor is worth. Good luck.
Sue

have you made a quilt for everyone in your family that you want to? have you made all the quilts for yourself that you want to? suggest that people buy their fabrics and supplies (make a list) and come and take a lesson while YOU work on YOUR quilts... they will all disappear really quick... you want to quilt... just quilt...

Thank you , and thats what I figured because no one can believe when I tell them how much I have in some of the quilts I've made...there like " your kidding me it costs that much , and thats not even your labor " and I say yep its cost alot more than what people realize !!

I find it easier to make quilts, and then if some one likes them, give them away or sell them. Once it becomes a "job" all the fun goes away.

from deemail's post "suggest that people buy their fabrics and supplies (make a list) and come and take a lesson while YOU work on YOUR quilts... they will all disappear really quick... "

haha! How right you are! I have used that tactic on many an occasion! But really, if I were to ever make a quilt for sale, I would have the customer shop the fabrics, batting, backing, thread and tell them upfront 3x's the cost of supplies. That way there are no surprises for the customer or you.

My thoughts exactly. But if you are wanting to do it, I agree with 3X cost of materials.

I agree. I will ususally quote a really BIG price so they will say no. I have only told one person that I don't quilt for pay because I knew she would pay what ever price I said. I quilt for fun not profit.

I agree with the "get them to purchase supplies" idea. Not necessarily with the "3x the cost of the materials" idea. What is wrong with charging for your time? Is it that hard to figure how long it takes to make one unit of the quilt, multiply that times the number of units, and figure how much you want to get per hour? I do this all the time when quoting hand-quilting jobs for customers. Then add a 20-25% fudge factor. If I went with the first ballpark figure off my head I would be working for pennies.

Imagine if an artist priced his paintings at 3x the cost of materials. Or if you could get a beautiful, hand carved piece of furniture for 3x the cost of the wood. Or an Irish knit sweater for 3x the cost of the yarn.

I

This is always a problem. When you can go into a department store and purchase a comforter, shams, pillows and maybe even curtains to match for less than we spend on the fabric for one quilt, it is hard to expect a non-quilter to appreciate what we do.
The other problem is turning a hobby we love into a business changes everything. I know quilters who purchased long-arm machines and then started doing it for others to help pay for the machines. They got burned out really fast.
I would have the person purchase the fabric, batting and backing so you are not out the money and then charge them at least what it cost for starters to create the top. The actual quilting should be another figure. Check with long-armers for the going rate. If the person is still interested go for it. You will either love it or it will end your career as a quilter for hire in a big hurry.

PTQuilter, I love your response! You can probably buy a sweater at WalMart for $15, but you can also buy a hand knit Irish Sweater for $300, and both are selling. Comparing the store bought product to the handmade is just silly!

EXACTLY !!!! Thats what people dont understand is the cost !!! Of course everybody thinks because you love doing it you can do it for free ( only charge for supplies to make it ).....NOT ...its alot of work !!! But AM NOT gona do this as a JOB !!! But I have a very large family and they all want me to make them a quilt ....you know nieces,nephews,cousins,aunts, and I cant afford to pay for everything for all of them lol
So for FAMILY what do I charge ????

I made my second quilt for a friend who wanted on I did not set a price, she said because she could get one at Walmart for 20 dollars that is what she paid me. Insulting to say the least. But I did have fun making it. I also hand quilted it.

Usually when you tell them how much the materials cost it scares them off. Then when you mention that it will cost 2 to 3 times that for your labor they take off running.

i generally start that conversation with---" a queen sized quilt starts at $500 and goes up from there, what did you have in mind?"
that usually makes them leave me alone :)
unless they seriously do want a quilt-
sometimes i say- sorry but you can not afford to pay me to make you a quilt---then i make them one as a gift
it depends on who it is- but non-quilters really have no idea what goes into making quilts and think they should be able to get one for the same as if they went to Walmart & bought one-
sometimes when they get my (token answer) of $500+ they start to ask questions- and we can actually discuss a serious answer-
this answer also works for the people i have no interest in making a quilt for- - i've been known to double that response if it was a quilt i hated making in the first place- i never make the same quilt twice- not one time since 1976 have i made 2 of the same quilt- the only options i give when someone wants to commission a quilt is- size, color scheme, theme---beyond that it is up to me...this works for me- i stay busy and sell enough quilts to 'support my quilting habit' :)

Oh my Gosh!!! I'm glad you had fun because you didn't even cover cost by a long shot!!! Before I started buying new fabric to quilt with I didn't realize the cost either!! :(

YES that has happened a few times lol

harge 15 dollars an hour I have a rough idea how much each size takes me - but I also go up on hours for the more somplicated patterns I also require a deposite or pre payment fo rthe supplies and I make an invoice so there are no questions when they pick up the quilt payment due on delivery...I made 500 on a very easy square pattern king size last year and 300 on a little bigger than a twin this past December because it took me longer time wise...

2xcost+$15.00 per hour. Remember to include thread, shipping, travel in the cost and shopping, travel time in the time, other minor stuff as well. You have overhead to cover, too.

You are so right on. I have a lady that ask me to make a quilt a year ago. Very nice and would pay whatever I ask. It has been dragging on forever. I have the blocks done just need to border and quilt , but it is a chore and is taking me forever. I will not do it again. If someone wants to buy one I have made, that is ok . No more taking orders. NO FUN.

If you really want to make a quilt for a customer, then you need to charge for the materials plus what you think is a fair price for labor. There are times when you can charge less...friends and family for instance. And there are times when you really don't want to make a quilt, but will if the price is right....those people pay more for labor. Sometimes you have to charge what the market will bear. I look at each request, figure the materials cost, and then decide on labor....each quilt is unique.

I think if this happened to me my head would explode. Also I would be down one friend. Some people!!


People who want to tell you what they can buy one for at Walmart, I tell them - You should go shopping there, I'm sure you will find something you like.

It was a good thing I was excited about my new hobby and we are no longer as close as we once were. Although it had nothing to do with the quilt.

I read somewhere a while a go that you should charge three times the cost to make the quilt. If I am doing something for a family member or a really close friend, I usually just charge them what it costs me to make the quilt. They always give me extra $$ for my time (although not nearly enough), but I do it as a favor to them. If it is a random aquantance or a friend of a friend, I quote them the higher price, as it lets them know that they need to be serious about it before I get started. I also ask them for 1/2 up front because I don't want them to back out on me after I have spent the money to buy the fabric.

I took an arts marketing class a couple of years ago, the formula is the cost of materials, this includes your power bill, gas for the car, your machines, etc. Double the cost of material at replacement cost, and charge for labor x 2 for the wholesale price. I charge a 500.00 non refundable deposit on all large quilts, this covers the cost of the fabric. Once I start the project, if they do not like it, I cannot take the cut fabric back to the store.
Here is one link to pricing.
If you are doing this for fun, charge whatever you want. If you are doing it for a job charge enough to pay yourself, a decent wage, 20.00 an hour almost covers living expenses.

http://www.inspiri-art-and-craft.com...g-formula.html

I agree with all of you.

This is so true...lol:D

At least recoup the total cost of the materials if a family member wants a quilt made for them. And only if you are willing to compromise on the cost of labor.


Hey if people own a boat or cabin or vacation home, barter a trade! At least as part of the deal! Just trying to think out f the box.
Sandy

Are you really sure you want to take a much loved hobby and turn it into a $$ maker. It is so much different when you are sewing because you want to make a project you selected... and sewing/quilting something because you have to. The fun can fade very quickly particulary when you realize there are other projects you would rather be doing.

So true !!!! I think I will just do it for Family and cut them a good deal lol

Thanks for thinking out of the box !!!! Thats a great idea girl !!!!

And what I meant was that the quilt buyer TREAT YOU to an all expense weekend or week on their boat. At their cabin whatever. Food and everything. Sandy

I agree with everyone's ideas and one thing I think people forget is how much thread you will use. I'm always amazed when I make a quilt at how many spools I go through. Don't forget to add that into your estimate. Thread isn't cheap either.